Second-half goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly did the damage as the Reds, who also had an Andy Carroll penalty saved by Ross Turnbull , repeated their recent Premier League success.

The win also appeared to make light of manager Kenny Dalglish âs fears of fatigue after playing the tie so close to Sundayâs 1-1 Premier League draw with leaders Manchester City.

For Chelsea, it was a fifth defeat in nine games.

Both sides had early shouts for a penalty. Chelseaâs came just two minutes into the game when Sebastian Coates apparently felled David Luiz only for referee Philip Dowd to book the Brazilian for diving.

The official then waved away Liverpool appeals for a spot-kick when Alex clattered into Carroll.

Dowd did point to the spot on 21 minutes however, after Alex handled the ball, only for Carroll to drill his effort straight at Turnbull.

Liverpool made the breakthrough after 58 minutes as Jordan Hendersonâs pass found Bellamy, who squared for Rodriguez to complete the move with a simple tap-in.

Five minutes later, Kelly sealed the tie as he doubled the visitorsâ advantage from close range, nodding the ball home after Bellamy had once again supplied the ammunition.

On a night when fans around the country applauded before matches to show their appreciation for the late Wales manager Gary Speed, Championship side Cardiff pulled off an emotional 2-0 win to stun Premier League basement boys Blackburn as Kenny Miller and Anthony Gerrard piled the misery on Rovers manager Steve Kean.

And in the big top-flight showdown at the Emirates Stadium an 84th-minute winner by Sergio Aguero gave Premier League leaders Manchester City a 1-0 victory over last seasonâs Carling Cup runners-up Arsenal.

Edin Dzeko and Adam Johnson combined to tee up the Argentine, who slotted past Lukas Fabianksi.